What Does An Effective Early Years Curriculum Look Like

What do we mean when we talk about ‘curriculum’? Across the world, the term ‘curriculum’ has many different interpretations. In some countries, ‘curriculum’ has a holistic meaning encompassing not only subjects but also the connections between subjects, teaching methods, and all aspects of schooling that define the learner’s experience. In other countries, a narrower interpretation is used, referring either to a prescribed range of courses or a specific learning programme across different years or levels.

With the implementation of the NEP 2020, the definition of curriculum is evolving in India. This is especially true for early years education which requires well-designed and well-supported curricula to achieve educational vision and aims. As 80 per cent of the brain develops in the first five years of life, the curriculum in the foundational years plays a critical role in supporting how children develop: cognitively, linguistically, socially and physically. 

To help Early Years’ practitioners, an early years curriculum can be structured as broad areas of learning. Progressive learning statements in each area of learning set out what learners can work towards and be expected to attain at different ages and stages of their development. 

Here is an example of the areas of learning you would expect to see in a well-designed early years programme. These areas of learning are all equally important and interconnected, and so it is essential that teaching and learning take place in a holistic way:

1. Communication, language & literacy

Communication is an essential skill for life and the foundations are built here.  Speaking and listening is a strong focus, ensuring children develop how they express themselves and respond to others. Emergent literacy is supported appropriately first through familiarisation with texts, helping to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for reading. Children are prepared to enter formal schooling, having built strong foundations in all aspects of their communication, language and literacy. 

2. Creative expression

Creative expression allows children to communicate their ideas and develop their imagination through art and design, music, dance and drama. Fostering creativity at a young age is crucial as it brings together skills and cognitive processes. For example, by making a ‘feely wall’ in the classroom with surfaces that have different textures, teachers can encourage children to explore visually and by touch and differentiate between natural and manmade materials.

3. Mathematics

At an early age, it’s important to help children recognise how mathematics impacts everyday life. Through games and activities, we can introduce children to mathematical language, thinking and concepts that they will need when they start their primary education. This helps the child to recognise and talk about patterns in the environment by describing sequences of items, including identifying errors in patterns of colour, shape or size for example. 

4. Physical development

This curriculum area builds on the physical development that occurs naturally during children’s play. It promotes the development of movement skills, helping children to develop positive attitudes towards exercise and laying the foundations for healthy, active lives. Children are engaged in activities that allow them too to be involved and to participate. 

5. Personal, social & emotional development

This area is central to children’s lives. It underpins their well-being and attainment in all other areas of their learning. This area helps them to develop social learning and friendships, regulate their emotional responses and respond to the needs of others, and develop self-esteem and confidence. It should help learners to act independently and make their own choices, develop at their own pace, and build feelings of competence, emotional attachment, and self-worth.

6. Understanding the world

Children’s natural curiosity must be encouraged so that they are equipped to reflect, question, explore and interact, and be guided in their understanding of the world. This area of the curriculum lays foundations for a range of different subjects in primary education and beyond, including science, digital literacy, history, geography, and religious education.

Developing a curriculum is an evolutionary and continuous process. It requires numerous education experts and regular reviews to make sure the content stays relevant to the way children learn today. These areas can be integrated and combined in numerous ways to create a holistic and child-centred experience, allowing children the ability to explore, develop and most importantly, play. They should enjoy the variety and excitement of meeting new ideas, making new friends and learning new lessons which will give them a lifelong passion for learning. It’s crucial that we give learners the best possible start in life.

Abigail Barnett

Guest Author The author is Deputy Director of Curriculum Programmes, Curriculum and Qualifications at Cambridge Assessment International Education.